**Two PRD Senators Switch to Morena, Paving the Way for “Fourth Transformation’s” Supermajority**
On August 28, 2024, the Mexican political landscape experienced a significant shift as Araceli Saucedo Reyes and José Sabino Herrera Dagdug, senators-elect from Michoacán and Tabasco respectively, announced their transition from the coalition of the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), the National Action Party (PAN), and the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) to Morena. This move brings Morena’s coalition one step closer to achieving a supermajority in the Senate as the LXVI Legislature is set to commence on September 1, 2024.
Manuel Velasco Coello, former coordinator of the Green Party (PVEM) in the Senate, indicated on August 26, 2024, that the “Fourth Transformation” coalition—which includes Morena and the Labor Party (PT)—was just a few votes shy of the required majority. During media interactions, Velasco hinted that the coalition might already have the necessary support. He noted that a 99.9% probability existed that the coalition would secure the needed votes.
Adán Augusto López Hernández, prospective coordinator of Morena in the Senate, refuted claims that the coalition had already secured the extra votes necessary for a supermajority. He emphasized that their approach is different from traditional parties, focusing on building consensus rather than purchasing votes or offering privileges.
José de Jesús Zambrano Grijalva, head of the PRD’s National Executive Committee, urged the two senators-elect to resist joining Morena. He called for the opposition to form a “containment bloc” to prevent the Morena-led legislative changes, warning of potential political persecutions against dissenters.
In an extraordinary session, the General Council of the National Electoral Institute (INE) approved a project affirming that the Morena-PVEM-PT coalition commands significant representation in the Chamber of Deputies. The coalition holds 364 seats, constituting 72.8% of the chamber, enough for a supermajority required for constitutional amendments.
Despite the political maneuvering and shifting alliances, the outcome of the Senate’s attempt to secure a supermajority remains uncertain. Both supporters and detractors of the “Fourth Transformation” await the unfolding of these critical political developments.
**Related Updates:**
**PRD Chairman Warns Against Senators’ Defection to Morena**
The president of the PRD, José de Jesús Zambrano Grijalva, cautioned against the potential defection of PRD senators to Morena. In a video posted on the social network X, Zambrano stressed the importance of opposition unity to counteract what he described as “a mortal and dictatorial blow” to the Mexican Constitution through the proposed legislative changes known as ‘Plan C’.
**INE and Legislative Representation Adjustments**
The General Council of the INE recently approved a framework that grants the Morena-PVEM-PT coalition majority control in the Chamber of Deputies. The coalition now possesses 364 out of 500 seats, facilitating significant legislative reforms. Additionally, the Senate composition adjustments leave the “Fourth Transformation” parties with 83 out of 128 seats, just shy of a supermajority.
As the new legislative session approaches, the Mexican political scene is abuzz with speculation and strategic planning, setting the stage for potential landmark reforms and shifts in governance.